How Long Does Klonopin Last?

How Long Does Klonopin Last?

How Long Does Klonopin Last?

Klonopin®, or clonazepam, is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed for anxiety disorders and seizures. However, it’s become increasingly popular as a recreational drug. The National Survey for Drug Use and Health found in 2013 that about two million people in the United States tried a prescription tranquilizer for recreational use in the last year.

This chart from Google trends shows the increase in search interest in clonazepam (the generic name for the drug) over the last 10 years.

Klonopin High and Effects

Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine that produces anxiolytic effects including muscle relaxation, decreased heart rate, and drowsiness. Used primarily as a medication to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and seizures, klonopin is a central nervous system depressant. It acts on the GABA receptors, one of the body’s main inhibitors of the CNS. The klonopin high is calming, and is abused for its relaxing effects that can take away anxiety. However, the klonopin withdrawal process can be dangerous and even lethal.

Half Life of Klonopin

The half-life of a drug is how long it takes for the chemical to leave your body. The elimination half life of klonopin is between 30 and 40 hours. This means that the body rids itself of 50% of the clonazepam in a day or two. As such, klonopin will show up on a drug test for a few days after taking it, or a few weeks if you’ve been taking it regularly.

The effects of klonopin generally last 6-8 hours. Although it has a long half-life, the individual may not feel effects for such a long period. The noticeable effects of klonopin decrease greatly after this 6-8 hour period, but the person may notice lingering effects for the following 24 hours.

How Long Does Klonopin Work for Anxiety?

Klonopin may be prescribed once or twice a day, depending on what your doctor feels is best for you. Although the effects of clonazepam generally last 6+ hours, this decreases with time. As with other benzodiazepines, tolerance may build quickly. This means that you may find that you need to take a higher dose of klonopin to achieve the same desired effects.

This tolerance can build in just a few weeks of prescribed use. If a person is abusing klonopin or taking more than prescribed, tolerance may be noticeable in just a few days. On the other hand, some individuals take klonopin or other benzodiazepines for extended periods of times without noticing a marked increase in tolerance. Each person is an individual with different body chemistry, and the effects of clonazepam depend on your individual body.

Length of Withdrawal Process

Because it is a long-acting benzodiazepine, klonopin withdrawal can take longer than the withdrawal process from other drugs. Withdrawal symptoms generally will arise around two days after the last dose. At this point, the individual may experience a number of both physical and psychological symptoms including: headache, nausea, muscle stiffness and pain, anxiety, hallucinations, nightmares, depression, and seizures. These acute withdrawal symptoms generally subside within two weeks.

Even though the acute symptoms may subside within a couple weeks, a person may experience difficulties for weeks or even months after. It really depends on the length of use, amount of use, and your individual body. It truly is imperative to seek professional medical help when going through the klonopin withdrawal process. Do NOT detox on your own! Detoxing on your own can be painful, dangerous, and even lethal.

About the AuthorThis post was written by one of our staff writers at Alternative Relief!